Digital Signposts: The Desktop: The Cornerstone of Enterprise-wide Communications

In enterprise communications, digital signage is a powerful tool for reaching the right audience with relevant content at the right time on the right network screen. And while strategically placing large screens in common areas of a company’s building is well and good, it is far more effective to put content directly in front of viewers where it is sure to be seen. For this reason, of the many network screens available, from cell phones to tablets, the desktop is the cornerstone of enterprise-wide communication.

In a big company, tens of thousands of employees work at desktops, which can be leveraged to convey relevant, timely messages. For more effective enterprise communications, desktops allow multiple content channels to be targeted to specific employees, such as those in a particular department or geographic area, a highly focused project team, or even one person. And unlike the company Intranet, employees don’t have to seek out this content; it is conveniently pushed to them.

The desktop can support content in many ways, from multi-zone and full-frame presentations to tickers on the bottom of the screen. Live data can be integrated to create dashboards, and even the screen saver allows for a channel of content. Employees can interact with messaging via the computer’s mouse, providing a more engaging experience and enabling them to provide valuable feedback.

All of this content can be scheduled, with the ability to override it at any time with important, realtime announcements. For corporate communicators trying to fight the clutter of email and communication overload, the desktop as a network screen is the answer.

Vern Freedlander is vice president of production services for Montréal-based X2O Media [www.x2omedia.com], a full-service provider of technology, network management and content services for professional digital signage applications. With more than 20 years of broadcast television experience as a producer, director and executive, Freedlander oversees all of X2O Media’s content initiatives. He can be reached at vern@x2omedia.com.